Influencers for Change: Spiritual and Soul Growth

2025 has been a year of change. Finding steadiness and predictability has been rare. However, it was also a good reason to reconsider what our inner world is doing. Most healers, counselors, and spiritual guides will remind us that our inner, deep self is constant. When things are tumultuous, it will guide you.

Focusing on my inner growth and my spiritual growth has been one of the main motivators for me this year. It has been about coming into alignment with my soul and its purpose. SeeChangemakers was always one of these. I guess I was intuitively working on this idea before I realized it.

Heart and Mind Image Collage by Theresa K. Howell

One’s Soul Purpose

Interestingly, I have found a real rhythm this year for this publication and its format. Readers and viewers will still see further changes. But, right now, I feel like one of those newbies who has finally found their groove. Remember when you stopped worrying about coasting on your bike? Or when you no longer second-guess your mirror shoulder check before changing lanes? Feeling that stride is so rewarding.

Another rhythmic focal point for this publication has been its concentration on the Arts. For 2025, our first interview began with Tentacle Tribe, a bilingual dance company out of Montreal. By the way, a focus on bilingual pieces will follow this theme into the New Year. Meanwhile, other artists have discussed their healing modalities. These include David Bindi Hudson and the healing properties of the Digeridoo. Then, there was Danielle Diamond and her Costume Therapy. Finally, in November, the writing and art therapy of Kimberly Hetherington was invaluable. Therefore, it seems appropriate to conclude the year by exploring this topic.

Beginnings

On January 1st, 2025, SeeChangemakers wrote about “Future Influencers” with a feature on “Let Them Theory” guru, Mel Robbins. She was the perfect person to ground us into the following year. What better way to jump into 2025, the year of change?!

Image Courtesy of Mel Robbins Facebook page

She was this publication’s forbearer to the category of Healing Influencers. To stay aligned with self-growth and Influencers, this post will center around healers who are of non-celebrity status. Aligning itself to this year’s rhythm, “where we began, we will end.” Here are my top 6 picks for Influencers that asked us to look deep into ourselves.

SeeChangemakers “Top 6 Healing Influencers

Spiritual Influencers

@CBMeditates (Chandresh Bhardwaj) – is a seventh-generation lineage holder from a family of Indian gurus practicing the Tantric tradition. He conducts talks all over the globe in countries including Sweden, the Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Belgium, Canada, and the US. He started his Cosmic Circle Community to support his teachings. His posts are often given in paged prose, which starts with a titled image accompanied by music. The readings are succinct, profound, and thought-provoking.

Screenshot Images from Instagram

@Rewildingforwomen (Sabrina Lynn) is the creator of the “ReWilding Way,” focusing on inner healing, archetypes, and awakening the feminine. She hosts retreats, podcasts, and workshops WEBSITE: https://rewildingforwomen.com/  Her main objective is to help people reclaim their “soul light.” She aims to guide people to step into a more empowered self. This is accomplished through archetype identification and astrological placements. She is raw and endearing, all wrapped into one.

Relational Therapists and Counselors

@the_outdoor_therapist (Zak Hazlett) – a licensed marriage and family therapist who shares many insights on how to build yourself up and the relationships around you. He comes from Moab, Utah, where he was born and raised. Growing up alongside the Colorado River, he developed a deep connection to nature, nurtured by the river and local guides. In addition to his podcasts, Instagram posts, and social media presence, he hosts summer group excursions along the Colorado River.

Screenshot Images from Instagram

@Realtalkry (Ryan MacEwen) – A Canadian originating from Charlottetown, PEI. He studied for his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Back in 2020, he began his journey as a digital creator on TikTok. He now offers one-on-one discussions through  https://stan.store/realtalkry. Additionally, his YouTube channel currently has 3.77 k followers, with his commentary reading: “Forget surface-level advice.” Let’s talk about what you’re really feeling. From my experience to yours. Real talk. Deep thought. Lived and shared experiences.

Motivational Thinkers and Self-Help Guides

@the_gratitude_mind (Shannon Shallcross) – a tech entrepreneur uses her knowledge and personal experience to help others. She emphasizes that mental limitations are the only barrier. They are the hurdle between the life of routine and the life of our dreams. She discovered a powerful tool that profoundly impacted her life: the Gratitude Mindset. Now, she is a public speaker who relates her thoughts on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Here is her  LINKtree

Screenshots from Instagram

@wesaiditanyway – (Hamza Zaid) – “We Said It Anyway” is a podcast hosted by content creator and speaker Hamza Zaid. His soundbites focus on navigating modern relationships. They emphasize emotional intelligence and self-growth. Often, there are clips and discussions on how “emotionally intelligent partners” navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. Hamza pulls no punches but really addresses the issues head-on.

Happy 2026, everyone. I am so excited to see what is in store for us all. Please stay tuned for our upcoming January Paris Interview.

Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année from Paris with Love

In late November, I was scrolling down my social media feed. Suddenly, I was drawn in by a glimpse of the Christmas Tree at the Galeries Lafayette in Paris. I became enthralled with the romantic and exquisite combination of holiday colours and glittering grandeur. It hypnotized me and drew me in like a late-night ad for the latest kitchen gadget. Suddenly, I was making plans to fly across the globe to see this example of “haute société” Christmas décor.

@Galerieslafayette December 2025 Image by Theresa K. Howell

INTERVIEW with PARISIAN Businesswoman, SOPHIE VU; Audio Translations en Francaise

Bonne Idée ? Good Idea?

Okay, I know this sounds irrational, but this year has been one of immense changes. In 2025, I began in Paris, so I decided it would end in Paris. Both instances involved friends whom I had made in 2024. I was ecstatic about going back and celebrating this time of year with them. Like past trips, this excursion was filled with communications and connections. Unlike past trips, my French language learning has surpassed the previous voyage, and I was also branching out, meeting artists who would soon become part of this Vlog.

Vieux Amis, Nouveaux Amis; Old friends, New Friends

My first meetup was with my musician friend, Richard Poher, who recently released his premier solo album last May. I interviewed him following this release. Check that out here. It was wonderful to find out he was that much closer to completion of his master’s in music education (pedagogy). He has been busy traversing between musical events and his studies. His dedication to his art is immense, and it was fantastic to see his smiling face again.

The following day, I met up with another friend to celebrate her belated 40th birthday. So, to complete the evening, we went to watch some Jazz at the famous Jazz Club, the 38Riv. We got our tickets early to the sold-out shows for the Robin Mansanti Trio. The Trio features three incredible young musicians: Robin Mansanti, Solène Cairoli, and Dexter Goldberg. The lead member, Robin Mansanti is becoming a rising star in the jazz scene which all took place years after moving to the city of light. That night, SeeChangemakers requested a feature interview upon their premiere album release, slated for Spring/Summer 2026. Follow us into the New Year to hear more about them.

Robin Mansanti Trio Image by Theresa K. Howell
Image Courtesy of @RobinMansanti

Noël modern; Modern Day Christmas

As that incredible evening turned into daylight, I arrived at the notable Marches de Noel aux Tuileries. This is the Christmas Market at the Tuileries Garden. It felt somewhat reminiscent of Niagara Falls to me. A Christmas carnival of sorts now flanked the landscapes of trees, sculptures, and thousand-year-old buildings. It was quite a sight.

Image by Theresa K. Howell

Before I left Vancouver, I booked two Airbnbs, which seemed quite busy at this time of year. Most North Americans think of touring Paris for Spring or Summer, but winter? However, Europe loves to visit this glistening city and shop alongside the magic. This activity can be compared to North Americans flocking to New York City during Christmas. Shopping for the price-heavy, high-quality gifts, followed by skating against the backdrop of the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Plaza.

Cadeaux de partout; Gifts Everywhere

While at my Airbnb, I met two dynamic young women from Belarus. They, too, were taking a pre-Christmas vacation within “la ville de Paris”. It was easy to strike up a conversation with Alla Parhimovich and Ilona Tamilian. I learned both were astute businesswomen, even though they didn’t look older than 25. Alla currently has 15 years of photographic and digital creation experience. This fact, coupled with her strength and ability to make connections with others, gave me pause. Meanwhile, Ilona is a master crafts person, creating Western-style hats with a unique flair for the obscure.

While talking with Alla, I asked if she might be interested in doing some European interviews for this publication. She agreed. Although for mutual collaborations, she began by suggesting a photo shoot with her. I agreed. Below are the results. Who was that woman looking back at me?

Photographer @alla_parhimovich

In the end, this last-minute adventure generated many spontaneous meetings. All in all, these new connections created a verve that I had been missing. Thus, I am glad I followed my heart on this wild venture.

Another meeting became our December feature interview. Sophie Vu, a single parent and astute businesswoman, is the owner of a stunning Parisian duplex in the 17th arrondissement. A well-kept, old-world example of Parisian Haussmann architecture. In our next installment, read how this biracial woman managed to carve out a self-managed business career.

INTERVIEW IS NOW UP